Council Cameras

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for State/Local Government Relations on the subject of council cameras.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: The South Australian Privacy Committee reported that there had been complaints to that organisation about a camera that had been placed in a male public toilet. This was to deal with the issue of vandalism and had been put there after consultation with the South Australian police. Apparently, these cameras record people entering the toilet block, as well as having a rear-view vision of the urinal. My questions to the minister are: can he advise whether he has received advice on the unnamed local government authority and whether it has breached any privacy commissions and, if so, what actions has he taken?

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for Gambling) (14:34): To my recollection, this matter has not been brought to my attention, but I will certainly check to find out whether there has been any correspondence in relation to it. Certainly, I have noticed there are a number of places where you do see cameras—usually outside the door, I suppose—of toilets which are there to provide a security measure but, of course, I would expect everyone to comply with the law, including the federal Privacy Act.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:35): I have a supplementary question. Will the minister look into this issue and return with a response to my questions, please?

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for Gambling) (14:35): As I said, to my recollection, this has not been brought to my attention, or to my office, but I will find out and follow it up and bring back a response.